Get your outdoor living room ready for spring and summer fun

Spending time in green spaces is good for our health and well-being. Gardens, parks, and other green areas are important in helping people relax and de-stress.

According to a recent poll by the Turfmutt Foundation, most Canadians (91 per cent) currently have a garden, and while many spend time doing typical garden-related activities, a good proportion also use it for leisure time and other purposes.

Additionally, most Canadians (79 per cent) see their garden as an extension of their home. If you want to make your outdoor space as perfect as your indoor space, here are seven tips to help get your garden into shape.

Assess your garden

Sketch out the garden’s existing features. Map natural and other features, such as trees and shrubs, as well as seating and play equipment. Consider the activity zones and outdoor activities your family enjoys like sports, gardening, dining or relaxation, or which areas are multi-purpose.

Spruce up existing landscaping

Do basic clean up. Fix bare patches in the grass. Clean out the flower beds. Prune bushes and trees. Keep the grass cut to a healthy height, between five to eight centimeters. Add a fresh layer of mulch around trees and in flower beds. Fill pots with colourful flowers and verdant plants.

Identify improvements

Now may be the time to add that patio, fire pit, dining area, grill, or playset you’ve always wanted. 

Use plants and shrubs to add visual interest and camouflage

Planters with flowers strategically placed between seating and eating areas on a patio add visual interest and privacy. Trees, shrubs, and bushes offer cover from neighbouring properties, create borders, camouflage unsightly pool equipment, and reduce noise.

Put the right plant in the right place

Choose the right plants to create an outdoor living area that’s attractive, easier to maintain, and supports local pollinators and backyard wildlife. Consider water, sunlight, or shade needs for plants you add.

Flowering plants help pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies, and add a beautiful touch. A herb or vegetable garden is also a good way to teach children about science and nutrition.

Factor in family needs

If you have a child or family pet, you’ll want to plant with their needs in mind. A hardy grass variety is more likely to hold up to child or pet traffic. Plant soft, but sturdy, plants and foliage that can withstand a little roughhousing. Save delicate flowering plants for patio containers, and be sure to check out the BCSPCA list of toxic plants for pets before making a final selection. 

Source: www.TurfMutt.com